Aarlon, the maverick Meltalcore band from New Delhi has signed a contract with Aspiration Records Philadelphia and Wintston – Salem for their compilation album.

Breaking News: Delhi Metalcore Band Aaarlon is now on Aspiration Records

And now, the Delhi-based Metalcore band is part of Aspiration Records family! What an incredible achievement these bunch of youngsters have achieved! Aspiration Records is a DIY record label, founded on January 18, 2019 based out of Philadelphia PA and Winston-Salem in North Carolina. AR is all set to release their compilation CDs and cassettes next month. Much to the dismay of Aarlon members, AR had picked them as their first choice.

In an exclusive interview given to The Indian.News, Pritam Goswami Adhikary, one of the key members of Aarlon told the Editor-in-Chief, Jayashankar Menon, “It is an amazing feeling to be honest, when we started recording the album, no one even in our wildest dreams ever imagined that we will be signed by a record label that too a US based entity. Another happy news I want to share with you is that AKT Enterprises, a Screen Printing and Merchandising firm based out of Orlando in Florida, the US, who is already working with giants such as Bring Me the Horizon, ATTILA and others have approached us for the merchandise deal. The talks are in progress. More news about the merchandise deal is on its way.”

Pritam Goswami Adhikary, Vocalist of Aarlon Band.

Now, Aspiration Records is already in talks with their associates about the tour and Pritam and the team are hopeful about it.

Debut Album Release

Breaking News: Delhi Metalcore Band Aarlon is now on Aspiration Records

Elaborating on their plans of releasing their debut album, Haiwan, Pritam said, “Though we have already released four tracks of Haiwan, nevertheless, the album is slowly taking shape. Thanks to the review of the fourth track, Vidroh by Metal Injection, we consider it as such a big honour for being an Indian metal band that is writing songs in Hindi. This kind of appreciation reminds us again and again that music transcend beyond the borders, language, creed, caste and religion. We are thankful to all our fans pan India and abroad for their humongous support. We will keep going with the hope that someday the world will be free of turmoils in the name of music. Also, our gratitude to the Rockstreet Journal for reviewing this and supporting us in this journey,” Pritam says.

While throwing more light on Vidroh, Pritam said, “Vidroh is about breaking the shackles of middle-class responsibilities and pursuing what one desires.”

Journey with Aarlon

Reminiscing about his association with Aarlon, Pritam says, “The story of my journey with Aarlon began in 2016. I have been doing vocal covers and posting those in social media. I would like to thank all my friends for their precious support since the beginning of it all. Those who shared my works and helped me to reach out to the masses. Eventually, Piyush found my cover of Pantera’s WALK and approached me to join his band! I got a scratch of TU MERI MAUT that very night and was truly blown away by the lyrics.

So this was my first song with Aarlon. I was really excited to see that people actually received well as a debut song. Then we came out with the title track of the album, Haiwan. Notice that how Piyush’s words fit so well with Ritwik’s riffs in each and every song. Piyush writes so precise yet so dreamy but wait he would never let you float in that dreamlike state but throw you down to the ground with real harshness and make you realize the ugly truth of the civilized life. Abhiruk has been a part in our first two songs we wish him all the best for his future.”

Poet turned Vocalist

Talking about his foray into vocals, Pritam says, “I am poet turned vocalist. I have been writing in my mothertongue Bengali since I was a child. Jibonando Daash is my favourite poet. No one could quench my thirst other than him. Though I think my poems are all post modern but I really enjoy Coleridge, T.S. Eliot and Keats. But to all my fans who are avid readers I’d suggest them to read Bishnu De, Badal Sarkar and Shakti Chattopaddhyay. I always wanted to break away from the common notions of sanity and wanted to project my perception of art and this world through my poems and Piyush is doing the same thing in his mother tongue Hindi, so I can relate to his words more than anyone in this world. Eventually, the screams come up from within without any effort. Haiwan reveals the inner turmoil of every thinker stuck rut here in this utterly non reciprocating world ruled by fanatics. We are really grateful to the rolling stone India for featuring Haiwan.

From this point, we got Pranky on board in the drums and needless to say he is a talented lad. As one can easily understand from what he did in Vidroh. Ankit is the founder member. I jam with this fellow Bengali. He is killer guy with even more killer bass hitting skills. Panchhi is undoubtedly my favourite of all. the outro crushes me down every time I sing it. Written against the aggressive urbanization and deforestation, the music video of this song celebrate the human cruelty on the mother nature. Much to your astonishment, the song turns really intriguing towards the outro and I am sure I haven’t rendered anything like this till date. Hands down the most challenging song ever”

Genesis

Aarlon performing in Jaipur.

Hailing from a small town, Siliguri Pritam struggled hard to come up in life. There was no venue which was ready to host and pay an alternative band for their music. People subscribe to generic songs and expect the musicians to play the same for them. Pritam felt sick of the whole thing. “I don’t know whether we will be able to change this stagnant mindset of people living inside their boundaries. We have got this majority of the college going youth who don’t want to show up for gigs that don’t include Bollywood celebrities. You know what before this turns out into a rant. I want to take an epic digression from here and recall my fondest memories.
So, we played in Jaipur last year and the crowd went crazy. I still remember there was this girl who was so mesmerized by our performance that she made a charcoal sketch of Aarlon and gifted that to us before we were leaving the next day. We really love playing in Jaipur and we consider that place as our second home,” Pritam says.

Aarlon Team

But, unlike many other musicians Pritam actually love what he does. “I teach in a primary school here in Siliguri. I am teaching Maths to the kids. However, my classes are not restricted to math alone. They get to listen to my favourite heavy metal songs everyday. I am sure, that by the time they grow up, they will learn to appreciate different kinds of music and art. I am trying to inject a sense of liberty and freedom in them so that they could break away from all the shackles and could confront what is ignored and speak exactly what should be spoken, write what should be written and exercise what should be exercised. I wish my efforts won’t go in vain nonetheless even if I fail I could tell myself that I tried, at least I tried,” he says with a sense of consolation.

Challenges

Pritam has taken up challenges that really helped him grow as a vocalist and as a musician. He has been a huge fan of pPantera and Dimebag arrell since the beginning and Pritam still begins his day with Pantera. Here is Pritam’s attempt to Pantera’s Suicide Note Part 2:

What is more, Pritam was also into all black and thrash metal when he started as a metal vocalist.

Pritham’s Idols

“I really love Chester Bennington as a vocalist. I paid my tribute to him after his demise. I really think this this is my work while it comes to my covers,” Pritam says.

Classical Guitar

Pritam is a big fan of Classical Music, especially Indian Classical genre. He is possessing a classical guitar. Priam’s whole family is into Indian Classical Music and he grew up listening to his mother and grandfather. “Now I am learning the classical guitar and really trying to do something intriguing with it,” says a beaming Pritam.

Pritam does not want to confine himself within the walls of genres hence he is exploring various approaches to music and vocals and trying to incorporate those into his own songs.

Mikasa

Pritam on slayer

Now it feels great to be able to pull off songs belonging to diverse genres but it comes at a price of losing a traditionally accepted notion of being social, Pritam says and adds, “I keep myself confined inside my room and practice the whole day either this thing or that.”

Advice to aspirants

Pritam has a word or two to the aspiring vocalists. “Just stay on your ground and stay honest to yourself and don’t give a damn to the naysayers. If you are not following the traditional path you are going to bleed. You will encounter ignorance, hatred and what not. But just bite the ground hard with your feet and remember ‘This too shall pass.’ The last thing what I want to tell the world is If I did anything significant in my life it is all because of my mother. Even if I invest a thousand lives writing on her struggle and hardship in raising both of us kids I could only justify a fraction. Last thing for all the fans, Aspiration Records are working on a tour and if all goes well we’ll hit the states for the album tour very soon. Meanwhile keep an eye on our page for the upcoming pre orders for the album and the merch.”

Vijayakumar Chambath, the music composer cum singer honoured renowned playback singer, Unni Menon on March 5, 2019 at the Trinity Waves Studio in Chennai for his achievement of receiving the prestigious Kalaimamani Award from the Government of Tamil Nadu.

Vijayakumar Chambath falicitated Unni Menon on the occasion of a devotional song recording composed by the former. In fact, Unni Menon is getting the Kalaimamani Award for 2018. The award will be conferred to the winner by the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Edappadi K. Palaniswami at an official event to be announced later. The awards were stalled eight years back and has now been revived and a total of 201 artist are being conferred the awards.

Hailing from Kerala, Unni Menon has rendered in excess of 3,000 songs in a long career. Unni Menon has rendered songs in many south Indian languages such as Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada. Born in the temple town of Guruvayoor in Thrissur district of Kerala, his early part of schooling was in Guruvayur, Basic Evangalical Mission High School Palakkad and Government Victoria College, also in Palakkad. A graduate in Physics, Unni Menon showed promise right from his school days and won many accolades for his singing talent. Though, the initial part of his career progressed in Malayalam films, with a slew of opportunities given by the music composer, Shyam. Unni Menon had rendered super hit songs such as Thozhuthu Madangum Sandhayinnetho and many more songs.

Through Ilayaraja’s violinst Kunjunni, Unni Menon got the opportunity to touch base with music composer B.A. Chidambaranath and that was how his musical career which got kick-started in 1981-82. Starting off with Amudham Thenum, his first song that never saw the light of the day, nevertheless, his destiny changed, when he rendered Pon Mane Kopam Eno, with the music direction of Ilayaraja in 1984. Since then, Unni Menon never looked back. That was one phase of Unni Menon, who was also a track singer by then.

When he got an opportunity to sing songs for the Malayalam film Kadathu under the music composition of Shyam, the dominant singer, K.J. Yesudas happened to hear Unni Menon’s track song, he was so impressed and asked the music director to take the track songs for the movie instead of him rendering the songs. That was a shot in the arm for Unni Menon. Two songs in the movie Kadathu, Olangal Thaalam Thulumbol and Punnaare Poonthinkale became instant hits. Since then, Unni Menon became a regular singer for Shyam and the duo produced some excellent songs such as Maanathe Hoori Pole in the IV Sasi directed movie, Eenadu; Valakikukka oru Valakilukkam in the movie, Munettam; Kaayampoo Korthuth Tharum in the film Aarorumariyathe and Thozhuthu Madangum Sandhayenetho in the cinema Aksharangal. After a sustained period of time, came the downward slide for the music composer Shyam and subsequently Unni Menon’s career too took a hit. During that time, Unni Menon rendered songs in lot of private albums in the likes of Raagageethi and Raaga Lahari with female playback singer Ashalatha.

Another super hit private album was Paanchajanam, a devotional musical audio album on Lord Guruvayoorappan. Eventually, Unni Menon relocated to Chennai and took up a job in Heavy Vehicles Factory in Avadi. Even while working, Unni Menon was in touch with the who’s who of Tamil music industry and from track singing, he was also graduating into playback rendition. When he recorded the song, Pon Maane Kopam Eno in the movie Oru Kaithiyin Dairy, his name on the cover of the cassette read, Vijay. This Ilayaraja song became a rage.

A decade or so, he did render songs in various languages, his second big break came in the form of A.R. Rahman’s musical hit song Puthu Vellai Mazhai in 1992. Also in 2003, he acted and did the music score for the Malayalam movie, Sthithi, where he had also rendered a song. Ever since, Unni Menon became a regular singer in Tamil and Malayalam movies. In addition to that, he had also rendered many songs in Telugu and Kannada as well.

With his unique melancholic voice, Unni Menon had carved a niche in the highly competitive vocal playback segment with immense popularity in all the four south Indian film world. His song, Paartha Mudhal Nale, in the Kamal Hassan starer Vetayaadu Vilayadu was a super hit song. Similarly, his Malayalam song, Maranamethunna Nerathu is a poignant song, which elevated Unni Menon’s stature very high. The Indian News wish both Unni Menon and Vijayakumar Chambath best wishes.

Tamil film actor Suriya gifts gold coins to the crew members at the conclusion of the shooting of NGK

In what could be termed as a great noble gesture extended by the film stars, Tamil cinema actor Surya gifted gold coins weighing eight grams each to 120 odd technicians, when the shooting of the movie Nandha Gopalan Kumaran, also known as NGKconcluded yesterday in Chennai.

The entire crew were taken aback, when Surya, when the director announced the pack up of the newest Tamil movie NGK, before going back home, gifted each member of the team a gold coin each. Ever since the shooting of this movie, directed by Selvaraghavan, produced by Dream Warrior Pictures began, rumour mills were making rounds that there were umpteen number of impediments.

When the shooting got delayed, as early as August last year, the Producers said: “NGK is our most prestigious project. We are humbled and overwhelmed by the support extended by all Suriya fans and Selvaraghavan fans from day one. We assure you all.it is a great entertainer in the making. We are working hard to achieve the best and deliver the same to you at the earliest. This may take a little longer than expected..than projected, so we will be bringing it to you post Diwali. We will soon announce the updated release plan. We sincerely thank each and everyone of you for the continued love and support.”

Proving the detractors wrong, Suriya and Selvaraghavan team completed the shooting of NGK in a record time. NGK is a political thriller written and directed by Selvaraghavan. Incidentally, this is the first time that both Selvaraghavan and Suriya are teaming up. In addition to Suriya, the cast includes Telugu actor Jagapathi Babu, Sai Pallavi (Tamil actress of Malayalam cinema Premam fame) and Rakul Preet Singh. The music is wielded by Yuvan Shankar Raja. Apparently, NGK is Suriya’s 36th movie, which is produced by SR Prakashbabu and SR Prabhu. The audio right of NGK has been bagged by Sony Music South, which had recently released the BGM.

Trailer of Prithviraj Starrer Malayalam movie Nine (9) to be released online tomorrow at 11.00 AM, to be telecast on 15 TV channels at 9.00 PM

For the first time Malayalam movie Nine (9) trailer to be telecast on 15 TV channels at the same time. Photo: FB

The trailer of Malayalam Science Fiction Horror Thriller movie, nine (9) is to be released online tomorrow (January 9, 2019) morning at 11.00 AM. There are several firsts to this Malayalam movie Nine (9), written and directed by Jenuse Mohammed and co-produced by Supriya Menon Prithviraj Productions, LLP and Sony Pictures and Entertainments (SPE) Films India and Sony Pictures will distribute the movie.

Prithviraj and Mamta Mohandas in the Malayalam movie Nine.

Prithviraj Sukumaran is in the lead role of Nine (9), which is scheduled to be released on February 7, 2019. While the trailer of Nine (9) will be released on January 9, 2019 morning, for the first time in the history of Malayalam cinema, 15 television channels will telecast the trailer at 9.00 PM at the same time.

Distribution foray

Again, for the first time, Sony Pictures is venturing into the regional languages segment with the distribution of Malayalam movie Nine (9). It may be recalled that Prithviraj had got into home production as early as March last year, Prithviraj Productions with his spouse Supriya Menon. At that time, the young actor said that the aim of starting his own production house was to cater to the younger generation audience. Prithviraj had also announced that PP will forge alliance with global film production behemoth, Sony Pictures.

Supriya and Prithviraj begins own film production house.

While speaking about the alliance Prithviraj Productions had forged with Sony Pictures, Actor, Producer, Director and Distributor, Prithviraj says, “It was a chance encounter I had with the CEO of Sony Pictures Vivek Krishnani. When the discussion veered around the regional cinema and more about the so called content specific to new generation audience in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada movies, then he was telling me that they were looking forward to foray into the regional film distribution arena. It was at this junction that I told Krishnani about the subject of Nine (9), he was really really thrilled about it. When they are foraying into the regional cinema segement with a small industry like Malayalam film segment, I am feeling really proud of it. The same day itself, we concluded the deal by signing the contract. I am sure, with the reputation of Sony Pictures, which had produced mega hit Hollywood films including Spiderman, 2012 and Jumanji in addition to the Bollywood blockbuster, Padman, with Akshay Kumar in the lead role, will obviously bring about visible change in the Malayalam cinema horizon.”

Cast

For the first time Malayalam movie Nine (9) trailer to be telecast on 15 TV channels at the same time

While Prithviraj is in the lead role, donning the character of Albert, Prakash Raj comes as Dr. Inayat Khan, Wamiqa Gabb as Eva and Mamta Mohandas as Annie. There are other actors like Tony Luke who comes as Sandeep Murthy, Sekhar Menon as Kiran, Vishal Krishna as Albi and Adil Ibrahi as well.

Kalamandalam Kshemavathy wins Nishagandhi Award 2019 from Government of Kerala for her contribution to Mohiniyattam

Nishagandhi Award 2018: Government of Kerala to confer the award to Mohiniyattam exponent Guru Kalamandalam Kshemavathy

Mohiniyattam exponent, Guru Padmasree Kalamandala Kshemavathy is the recipient of this year’s Nishagandhi Award instituted by the Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala. The award consists of Rs.1.5 lakh, a bronze statue of Bharatha Muni and a certificate of merit. Kerala Tourism Minister Kadakampally Surendran announced the award. Nishagandhi Puraskaram (Award) is being conferred on Kshemavathy for her contribution to the art form of Mohiniyattam both in the capacity as an exponent and as an academic. A jury, consisting of eminent personalities headed by the former Chief Secretary and poet, K Jayakumar, Promod Payyanur, Girija Chandran, Tourism Director, P Balakiran selected the winner of the award. The date of conferring the Nishagandhi Award is yet to be decided by the Government.

Hailing from Trissur district of Kerala, Kalamandalam Kshemavathy is one of the most accomplished exponent of Mohiniyattam, who purused her classical dance training from the renowned Kerala Kalamandalam. One of the senior most exponent of dance form, she has been contributing to the growth of Mohiniyattam for the past 50 years and counting.

Nishagandhi Award 2018: Government of Kerala to confer the award to Mohiniyattam exponent Guru Kalamandalam Kshemavathy

Also seasoned in Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi art forms, Kshemavathy was more passionate about Mohiniyattam and pursued it vigorously to popularise it. Apart from that, Guru Kalamandalam Kshemavathy had performed in Kathakali as well.

Guru Kalamandalam Kshemavathy receiving Padmashri Award from then then President Prathibha Patil

Recognising her contributions to popularise the art form of Mohiniyattam, the nation honoured her by conferring Padhmashree in 2011. Before that the senior academician also bagged the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy Award for Bharatanatyam when she was 29. A slew of awards Guru Kalamandalam Kshemavathy has received inluding the prestigious Kalamandalam Award for Mohiniyattam in 1993, Kendriya Sangeetha Nataka Aademy Award in 1999 and Nritya Natya Puraskar in 2008 besides many other accolades.

Guru Kalamandalam Kshemavathy was born in 1948 in an illustrious family replete with art, theatre and music. Her childhood was replete with learning various dance forms and music. Guru Kalamandalam Kshemavathy learned small pieces such as Kaaliya Mardhanam from local teachers including Kochukuttan Asan and Hansa. Eventually, Kshemavathy joined the Kerala Kalamandalam in Cheuruthuruthy, Trishoor at the age of eleven and during the interview, she performed Kaaliya Mardhanam in front of none other than the great poet of Malayalam, Vallathol Narayana Menon, who was the patron of this great institution and impressed him with her dance performance.

Nishagandhi Award 2018: Government of Kerala to confer the award to Mohiniyattam exponent Guru Kalamandalam Kshemavathy

After joining the Kalamandalam, Kshemavathy worked hard and there was no looking back, mastering three dance forms of Mohiniyattam, Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi. She learned Kathakali under the tutelage of Kalamandalam Balasubranamiam. What is more, both of them had performed Damayanthi Hamsam getting rave reviews. She had also performed performed Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattam and Kuchipudi at various stages in Chennai. For the Vallathol Centenary Celebrations held in Delhi, Guru Kalamandalam Kshemavathy performed her solo Mohiniyattam dance.

Nishagandhi Award 2018: Government of Kerala to confer the award to Mohiniyattam exponent Guru Kalamandalam Kshemavathy

Also in the early ’70s she performed at Ninth Congress Convention, a national event held at the grounds of Maharaja’s College in Kochi. Also, the then President of the Kerala Sahitya Academy, the accomplished Malayalam writer, Ponkunnam Varkey give Guru Kalamandalam Kshemavathy an opportunity to perform Mohiniyattam and that saw the birth of Kshemavathy the Mohiniyattam dancer. Ever since, she had never looked back.

Guru Kalamandalam Kshemavathy is married to emminent Malayalam movie maker, VK Pavithran. The couple have to daughters, Lakshmi Pavithran and Eva Pavithran. The latter is acctive in the fashion industry and she has also acted in few Malayalam movies. The Indian.News congratulates Guru Kalamandalam Kshemavathy on her contribution to the art form of Mohiniyattam.

In addition to acting, Abhirami Bhargavan is also a talented Bharatanatyam artiste and a fashion model too.

Varthakal Ithuvare is a typical family oriented film reminiscent of the ’90s and the debut director Manoj Nair was dreaming of making a movie belonging to that era, when he grew up watching the movies of Priyadarshan and Sathyan Anthikad. Set in the village background of Palakkad, the forthcoming Malayalam movie’s screenplay is also written by the director. Abhirami Bhargavan from Payyanur is doing her debut role as the heroine, while the hero is young actor Siju Wilson of Premam fame. Other actors in this movie include Vinay Forrt, Saiju Kurup, Nedumudi Venu and others. To know more about her role in her first movie and to know more about this multi-talented artist, The Indian.News Editor Jayashankar Menon had a free-wheeling chat with Abhirami Bhargavan. Excerpts:

TIM: Can you talk about your first Malayalam cinema, Varthakal Ithuvare?

AB: This is my debut movie. Siju Wilson has been cast against me as the hero and he is donning the character of a Police constable. I am portraying the character of a school teacher. In addition to that, Vinay Forrt is also doing an important character in Vaarthakal Ithuvare. Eldho Issac is handling the cinematography. The story is set in the ’90s. This film will evoke the feeling of nostalgia reminding us of the the movie directed by Sathyan Anthikad for instance or for that matter the new movie will take you to revisit the nostalgic movies like Naadodi Kaatu, Ponmuttayidunna Thaaravu and more.

Vaarthakal Ithuvare is bound to give that sort of feeling for the viewer. The director of the movie was looking for a face that had to match with the heroins of the ’90s and I was selected from the many applications for having such looks. After that there was this stringent screen test followed by the acting skill test. After succeeding in all these tests, the directed cast me for the heroine’s role in this film. The best part is that this film is also a debut assignment for the Director, Manoj Nair as well. He has also written the screenplay.

TIN: Can you talk about other artists who have been lined up for Vaarthakal Ithuvare and other aspects of the movie?

Abhirami Bhargavan bags debut role in the forthcoming Malayalam movie Vaarthakal Ithuvare, mugging up the script.

AB: Nedumudi Venu, Nandu, Alecier Ley, Vinay Forrt, Sudeep Karamana, Saiju Kurup, Mamukoya and the star cast is humongous. Mejjo Josseph has composed music in this movie. Lawson Biju (Producer of Ranam) and N Jiby Parackal are the producing this movie. The songs are also set in the village ambience. The location of Vaarthakal Ithuvare is Kollenkode in Palakkad, replete with paddy fields and greenery pervading all around.

Odiyan movie was also shot in this location. The film promises a typical village setting, which will give a great feeling of our countryside, especially with the rapid urbanisation happening all across Kerala, Kollengode still gives you the looks of ’90s! So, this movie is going to be a visual treat for the viewers and nature lovers. The trailer of the songs will be released in February this year.

TIN: Can you talk about your character in this movie?

Abhirami Bharagavan portrays the character of a school teacher in the forthcoming Malayalam movie, Varthakal Ithuvare.

AB: I am doing the character of a school teacher by name Alice. The story revolves around a theft that happens in the village.

So, the story line is very interesting and gives a new variety for the film lovers. Vaarthakal Ithuvare will be a subtle reminder of the ’90s movies and how the cine-goers enjoyed those movies and the present generation of film viewers will watch this movie with a bit of nostalgia.

TIN: Can you talk about yourself?

Abhirambi Bhargavan, in addition to acting and modelling, she is also equally talented in Bharatanatyam dance form.

AB: As for me, right from age five, my focus was on dance. I have been learning Bharatanatyam from my Guru, Seetha Sasidharan in Payyanur in Kannur district of Kerala. I finished BSc Chemistry from Payyanur College. During this time, I also did BA Bharatanatyam from Thanjavur University. I have also completed MA Bharatanatyam and I am about to embark on pursuing my MPhil. Through dance only I developed the passion for acting. I was also the Anchor in Surya TV. My foray into the film industry is through anchoring the Travelogue Cookery Show, Supertaste. In addition to that, I am pursuing modelling as well.

Acting, Modelling and Dancing go hand in hand for Abhirami Bhargavan.

TIN: So, fag end of 2018, you have bagged a meaty role in Vaarthakal Ithuvare. What is your expectation for 2019?

AB: I am doing several modelling assignments as of now. I am looking forward to do some wonderful characters this year. At the same time, I also want to continue the dance performance in tandem.

AB: Like the law of attraction, unknowingly the passion for movies had crept in me right from my childhood. Somehow, God has helped me to realise that dream (Laughs). A lot depends on the current movie, Vaarthakal Ithuvare. I leave everything to the viewers now. If they accept the move, which I am sure, it will happen, then I might as well continue in the Malayalam film industry, carving a niche for myself.

AB: My residence is located near the Subramania Swamy Temple in Payyanur. My father is working in Keltron and mother is serving the Register Office. I have an younger sister, Shreya Bhargavan who has just finished her MSc Physics from VIT College in Vellore and doing her project in Goa.

Keerthana G Bharadwaj (Raagni) passionate about music and dance

Music runs in the veins of Keerthana G Bharadwaj (Raagni)

B Grade All India Radio Artist in Light Classical Music (2018), Scholarship Awardee from Karnataka Sangeetha Nruthya Academy for Light Music 2018, having performed on
a special occasion of Bharath Rathna Dr MS Subbalakshmi Birth Centenary organised by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, the Bangalore-based talented vocalist, Keerthana G Bharadwaj, also known as Raagni, is a multi-facted personality. A graduate of commerce, Keerthana G Bharadwaj (Raagni) is currently working as a Senior Financial Analyst in an International Bank, while pursuing her music as well.

Musical career

Keerthana G Bharadwaj (Raagni) began learning Sugama Sangeetha or Light Music under the tutelage of Gayathri Keshav at the age of eight in the music school, Panchamrutha Sugama Sangeetha Shale. In addition to that, Keerthana G Bharadwaj (Raagni) also began learning Carnatic Classical vocals from age ten under the guidance of Shreemathi Shantha Narasimhan and learned semi-classical songs from Kumari Usha. Also, the talented artist learned nuances of music from Vidushi Indira Krishnaunder whose supervision, Keerthana G Bharadwaj (Raagni) completed her Carnatic Junior Grade of Music from Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board in 2007 and came out inflying colours with a distinction grade. Not content with that, Keerthana G Bharadwaj (Raagni) also finished her Senior Grade Classical Music under Indira Krishna. At
present, she is continuing further proficiency music practice under Vidushi Vijayalakshmi.

Born in July 16, 1994 in an orthodox Brahmin family, where music was the way of life sans any specific genre. But being a child, Keerthana G Bharadwaj (Raagni) found love for dance. “Even now my mother tells that when Yakshagana would appear on Doordharshan Chandana, I would stand in front of the television set and try imitating the artists by practicing the steps and balancing while taking circles”, says Keerthana G Bharadwaj (Raagni) with a chuckle.

With a tinge of disappointment, Keerthana G Bharadwaj (Raagni) laments, “Later, my parents, somehow for their own reasons, decided not to send me to the dance class and in turn put me into music class at the age of nine. I just began my first music training in light music from Shreemathi Gayathri Keshav and that helped me to gain stage confidence. I began taking part in many competitions. Being part of yearly and quarterly music festivals and summer classes of Panchamrutha Sugama Sangeetha Shale helped me in broadening my knowledge of light music, although I was still a rookie in terms of comprehending the complexities and pure technicalities of music. Nevertheless, I enjoyed each and every moment associated with music”, Keerthana G Bharadwaj (Raagni) said.

Music runs in the veins of Keerthana G Bharadwaj (Raagni)

Ekalavya

Keerthana G Bharadwaj (Raagni) says, “Although, I continued learning music, I also continued to nourish the dream of learning dance. Like Ekalavya, I learned the dance from my school teachers and used to do consistent role of Bala Krishna, Akkamahadevi and other mythological characters each academic year and won prizes in both dance and music. I also used to be one of the lead singers in annual programmes, which gave me insight as to how to broaden my horizons in the realms of music”, Keerthana G Bharadwaj (Raagni) said.

Music runs in the veins of Keerthana G Bharadwaj (Raagni)

Keerthana G Bharadwaj (Raagni) continued her music classes with various teachers in light music and Carnatic music as well under the able guidance of BK Sumithra. Her first Guru, Vidhushi Shantha Narasimhan, who taught her the basics of Carnatic music. As the family had to relocate the residence in various locations of Bangalore, Keerthana G Bharadwaj (Raagni) had to leave one guru and seek guidance of another. However, one Guru Keerthana G Bharadwaj (Raagni) holds in high esteem and taught her all the nuances of music was Indira Krishna, who showered her pure love and knowledge. Keerthana G Bharadwaj (Raagni) attributes whatever success she has achieved so
far to Vidhushi Indira Krishna. Also Vidhushi Indira Krishna became the first person to see my teaching capabilities and insisted me to teach several others thus expanding my music knowledge and passing on to next generation, Keerthana G Bharadwaj (Raagni) points out. It was due to her encouragement, I established Aradhana Sangeetha Shale and gained confidence in teaching the younger ones the nuances of music”, Keerthana G Bharadwaj (Raagni) said.

Keerthana G Bharadwaj (Raagni) also took part in several musical reality shows. “It was a great experience to be the youngest participant in a musical reality competition, Star Singer amongst many other participants, who were much older to me. This gave me a wonderful opportunity to meet stalwarts in music such as music composer Gurukiran and singers such as Jai Ho fame Vijayaprakash and Shubha Malgudi. I gained world of knowledge by interacting with them in terms of the nuances of playback singing”, Keerthana G Bharadwaj (Raagni) says.

Also Srimathi Gayathri Keshav gave Keerthana G Bharadwaj (Raagni) the first opportunity to try voice over/dubbing for a Vishnuvardhan starer Kannada film. This gave me humongous confidence to lend my voice for another Kannada movie”, Keerthana G Bharadwaj (Raagni) said. While speaking about her first playback singing experience, Keerthana G Bharadwaj (Raagni) said, “Doing my first playback singing for a devotional album from Mayathere Combines was a great experience indeed. This gave me confidence to render a song for a Kannada drama authored by Chandrasekhar Kambar. My gratitude to the young and talented music composer Karthik Sharma for giving me this opportunity.”

MS Subbalakshmi’s centenary programme organised by Ministry of culture , Government of India.

Currently, Keerthana G Bharadwaj (Raagni) is practicing Carnatic music under Vidushi Vijayalakshmi, who is a gold medalist in MA Music. About her achievements, Keerthana G Bharadwaj (Raagni) says, “I became B Grade artist in AIR under light Carnatic Music in 2018 in addition to receiving scholorship award from Karnataka Cultural Department for light music performance. I should express my gratitude to my old friend, Vidwan Sharat Rao for the guidance.”

Multi-Tasking

Multi-tasking has become Keerthana G Bharadwaj (Raagni)’s way of life. “Amidst all these happenings, my studies continued and I ended up graduating in commerce and immediately after that I got into the corporate world. I joined an International Bank as a Financial Analyst. Now I have more responsibilities as a Senior Analyst.

Keerthana G Bharadwaj (Raagni) rendering at the Carnatic Light Music Vocal Concert organised jointly by ICCR and Department of Kannada and Culture on December 7, 2018 at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan.

With the demanding professional environment, it is a big challenge to pursue my passion as well. It used to be tad bit cumbersome for me to handle both professional pursuits as well as music. It was extremely difficult, especially, when I had to work according to the US shifts. Somehow, my overriding passion for music got me going by doing multiple things in tandem. I still remember me having five days of work, when I used to yearn for those two days over the weekend and that is when I get the opportunity to meet my lovely students, interact with them and impart knowledge to these young ones. These kids are my world and they are like my own kids. I am lucky to get such wonderful children who are determined to learn music. Knowing my job pressure, whatever time I suggest, these students come much ahead of time and stay back till I ask them to go. In fact, the weekend classes used to be my stress reliever, energy booster and a source of peace”, Keerthana G Bharadwaj (Raagni) said.

Juggling with my demanding work schedule and music concerts and the weekend classes, my life is really hectic with absolutely no scope of socialising. I am happy this way that I am able to do justice to my profession and passion in addition to imparting whatever I have learnt to the new generation kids as well. It wasn’t easy to do all these things in tandem, thanks to the love, affection and cooperation of my students and the encouragement I get from my Guru, I am able to accomplish all these tasks without pain,”Keerthana G Bharadwaj (Raagni) said.

Determination

Keethana G Bharadwaj (Raagni)

“Finishing my senior gradation in Classical Music was another major challenge, especially after a gap of ten years. This is another testimony of my determination that despite the gap of a decade, I took up my examination with all seriousness. I had a huge gap of ten years for taking up the examination in-spite of my continued musical learning, unfortunately due to many factors I was not able to sit for the senior grade examination.

Keerthana G Bharadwaj (Raagni) at Light Music Concert.

With the job pressure increasing by the day with new projects coming up, heading home becoming perennially late. With lack of sleep, rushing to music class, coming back and continuing the practice was a difficult ask. Despite my failing health, I was really determined to pull it through. Today, I feel proud that I had accomplished all that I had aspired for with a great sense of satisfaction. I thank all my mentors who had guided me throughout my journey.”

Keerthana G Bharadwaj (Raagni) also thanks her parents for being with her through the thick and thin. Also her younger sister, Aishwarya G Bharadwaj, who is pursuing her final year graduation. “I am her first Guru. She is passionate about music”, Keerthana G Bharadwaj (Raagni) signs off.

With the New Year 2019 knocking on our door, it is time to leave behind the old and usher in the new with soaring spirit and charming cheer.

New Year’s Day, as per Gregorian calendar falls on January 1, is celebrated across the world with much fervour when people make new resolutions, greet their friends and family and welcome the new year with fabulous food and terrific thoughts.

The Indian.News was conceived and kicks-started late on November 1, 2018 and while ending the year, nevertheless, the cultural e-magazine could do quite a chunk of stories highlighting about the multiple talents and it is all there for you to see.

This year, The Indian.News promises our discerning readers the year 2019 will be the year of maximum number of human interest stories, while ending the year, this cultural digital treasure house will be the number one point platform for culture related information in India!

To quote American poet TS Eliot, “For last year’s words belong to last year’s languageAnd next year’s words await another voice.”

With the aim of raising awareness against the deadly disease of cancer, the Max Hospital of Vaishali organised an entertainment filled event in the NCR recently. Over 200 cancer survivors took part in the event. The highlights of SAATHI2018 featured participation of all the cancer survivors in dance, soulful vocal musical performance, keyboard charisma and dazzling jazz along with the champions of the hospital.

Speaking at the event, Dr Gaurav Aggarwal, Unit Head, Max Hospital, Vaishali said, “I am quite pleased to know that Max Hospital Vaishali is sensitising and spreading awareness about cancer and uniting all to fight against it. We are soon set to launch a dedicated cancer tower focusing on providing complete and comprehensive cancer care. While we focus on providing Quality Care and advanced treatment options; it is equally important to spread the message of early detection as the symptoms get neglected and are diagnosed late. We also need to remove the myths and confusions regarding Cancer treatment prevailing in the society. With latest and Advanced treatment options available backed by strong support, it is possible to lead a better quality of life post cancer treatment.”

Sharing experience

Many cancer survivors shared their journey and better quality of life post treatment to motivate the patients fighting against it. One of the patients who was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer motivated the family members to support the patients together to fight against all odds. “After being diagnosed with stage four ovarian cancer that had spread across the abdomen, I was completely dejected and shattered. With the support of my family and the advancements in the cancer care treatment, the doctors at Max Hospital Vaishali surgically removed four litres of fluid and within two months of chemotherapy sessions, I feel completely fine. Over the years I have made steady progress and have a completely better quality of life. I am really thankful to the doctors and would also like to tell all of you that timely intervention helps in treating cancer and raises the chances of survival with good quality of life.” a patient shared her experience.

Cancer among Indian population

According to the recent data recorded by ICMR, in excess of 400,000 new cancer patients are recorded annually in India. Breast and ovarian cancer is the leading cause of mortality among Indian females and attributed to 15% of the total burden of cancer in India. There is a rise in more number of females at younger age (under 40 years). Oral cancer is the sixth leading cause of mortality worldwide and over 35% of them is contributed from India. The conversion rates of such fibrosis into cancer are over 10% and the condition becomes irreversible if left untreated.

Dr Atul Goel, Director, Surgical Oncology, Max Hospital, Vaishali said on the occasion, “Most of the patients lack awareness about the advanced treatment options available to treat cancer. Max Hospital Vaishali has treated over 300 patients in the past two years and all of them are leading a better quality of life. Certain precautionary measures can avoid the risk of developing cancer by upto 70%. There are strong evidences that link the risk of all types of cancers with diabetes, obesity and hypertension. Certain dietary changes can curb down the risk of developing cancer. Avoiding diet high in saturated fats and consuming diet high in vegetables and fruits have possible evidences in reducing the risk of abdominal cancer. Masses should be educated about the risk factors and importance of early stage detection in managing such fatal cancers.”

According to the recent data provided by Globacan 2018, India, there is a 3% rise in the number of new patients diagnosed with cancer, and the mortality rate was registered at 30% in 2018. Of the total prevalent cases in the last five years accounting for around 80,000 patients, the mortality rate is attributed to around 40%. Lack of awareness is one of the factors, but with advancement in technology and certain lifestyle modifications the risk for developing any type of cancer and its mortality can be curbed down.

Max Hospital, Vaishali, shall launch a dedicated tower for Oncology. This will be the biggest cancer centre in Western UP. The new tower will have a dedicated Women Oncology Centre, on the ground floor, for Gynaecology and Breast Cancer. The centre will posses six state-of-the-art Oncology dedicated operation theatres with 10 Disease Management Groups (DMGs) with 100 bedded Oncology dedicated facility.

Mohiniyattamexponent, Kalamandalam Dhanusha Sanyal received the Adharavu Awardfrom Kannampully Devasthanam Trust on December 26, 2018 at Kootalain Palakkadas part of the Kannampully Nataraja Natanaolsavam International Dance Festival in Sree Maha Kameswara Templeheld from December 16-26.

Kalamandalam Dhanusha Sanyal is the founder of Gouridharpana Dance Academy, which she founded in 1999 in Kodungallur in Trissur.

Kalamandalam Dhanusha Sanayal and Kalamandalam Himavathy had entered the Guinness World Record Mohiniyattam visualising Daivadasakam Dance Performance by 1536 staging 1500 Mohiniyattam artists on single platform on April 21, 2018 and the venue was in Government Higher Secondary School, Srinapuram in Kodungallur, titled: Festival’s Own Country. The official certificate of the Guinness Book of World Records are yet to come. The gist of the dance programme was part of the celebration about the book authored by Srinarayana Guru’s Daivadhashakam being translated into 100 different global languages.